ABERDEEN: Russian judicial officials visiting state

Already experts in law, some Russian court officials are learning a little more about law this week.

Four judges and a court administrator from Russia are in South Dakota this week to see how the U.S. judicial system works.

The visit is part of the Open World program sponsored by the Library of Congress. After arriving in the United States July 22, the Russians spent a few days in Washington, D.C., not only learning about American law Â? they visited the Supreme Court Â? but also seeing the sites.

Over the weekend, they were in Aberdeen. Judge Charles Kornmann led a tour of the downtown federal courthouse Sunday afternoon before taking the group to Pierre Monday where they sat in on court hearings.

Kornmann also shared stories and fielded question from the Russian guests. The group covered a wide range of topics from whether Kornmann has ever handed down a death sentence (he hasn't) to the details of civil court cases (usually determined by jury in the U.S., always by judges in Russia).

Russian Judge Irina Podporina said there are similarities between the U.S. and Russian judicial systems. The basic philosophy prevails with the two sides involved in a case represented in court, she said. Juries, when needed, are comprised of citizens. And Russian judges are appointed by the president and have to be confirmed by federal lawmakers just as U.S. federal judges, she said.